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Old Aug 11, 2011 | 06:15 PM
  #1831  
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Originally Posted by thew60
I have a new question:
Have a 2008 G35X sedan in black. Got it pre-owned a few months ago. The car from 6 feet away looks pristine but when you look up close or in the sun it is apparent that the previous owner took no pride when he/she washed the car. Several light scratches on the upper parts of the doors, and trunk. None catch my nail so I suspect they are not too deep. I have used a light clear coat safe compound, Zymol wax, and/ or Meguiars scratch X with little improvement.
The car is not terrible, I am just obsessive and want as close to perfect as I can get.

Do I have it externally detailed, or polished at a body shop. I am afraid to embark on orbital polishing on my own, at least now.

Thanks !!
My suggestion would depend on how deep the scratches are and your level of perfection. Even if your nail doesn't catch it can be deep enough to make polishing it out very challenging. I think you can remove the vast majority of the swirls, oxidation and light scratches with a good polishing process. However medium to deeper surface scratches in the clear coat that are more challenging to remove and often require the use of a rotary buffer. If the scratch is through to the paint or primer you'll need some tough up work done.

I know a buffer can seem intimidating but the Porter Cable 7424 XP orbital buffer is completely safe for any user. I've helped hundreds of first time users get outstanding results removing surface imperfections. Very simply a two step polishing routine with the products in a kit like this (DI Packages PC 7424XP with M105, M205 and 5.5" pads) would make the paint look noticeably better. It should remove light imperfections and bring back a like new shine to the paint. There is an in depth tutorial here if you want to learn more - http://www.detailedimage.com/Ask-a-P...ars-m105-m205/. Check out that article and let me know if you have any other questions I'd be happy to help.

Greg @ DI
 
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Old Aug 16, 2011 | 03:27 AM
  #1832  
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Hi,

I was wondering how to wax or polish a car without attracting so much static afterwards.

Thank you,

Alex
 
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Old Aug 16, 2011 | 10:23 AM
  #1833  
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Originally Posted by stinkytofu89
Hi,

I was wondering how to wax or polish a car without attracting so much static afterwards.

Thank you,

Alex
Alex,

There is no fool proof way to accomplish this as there will always be some. My suggestion is after you are done waxing use a quick detailer like the Chemical Guys Speed Wipe (Anti-Static) Quick Detailer and a clean microfiber towel like the DI Microfiber Ultra Plush Two Sided Towel. This combo helps remove the static charge on the surface and it has anti-static properties. I don't claim this is a miracle product that will repel all dust afterward but it does help. Additionally it is just a great quick detailer for quick clean ups and to add just a bit of shine to the paint. If you have any other questions please let me know.

Greg @ DI
 
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Old Aug 16, 2011 | 11:33 AM
  #1834  
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[QUOTE=Detailed Image;1845591]As a new G35Driver member and sponsor, I would like to introduce myself. My name is George Dushensky, owner of Detailed Image. We specialize in high end automotive detailing. Our goal is to help other members raise their standards in automotive car care, while maximizing their detailing objectives.


I look forward to taking part in some great conversation.

my 03 G has a plastic protective covering over the front of hood and fenders and both outside mirrors...they have grey spots and stains on them that I have not been able to remove with any of the products I have laying around
any remedy for this.
 
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Old Aug 18, 2011 | 11:00 AM
  #1835  
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Originally Posted by slim17265
Originally Posted by Detailed Image
As a new G35Driver member and sponsor, I would like to introduce myself. My name is George Dushensky, owner of Detailed Image. We specialize in high end automotive detailing. Our goal is to help other members raise their standards in automotive car care, while maximizing their detailing objectives.

I look forward to taking part in some great conversation.

my 03 G has a plastic protective covering over the front of hood and fenders and both outside mirrors...they have grey spots and stains on them that I have not been able to remove with any of the products I have laying around
any remedy for this.
Unfortunately George left the company in 2010 but I co-founded the company with him and we remain good friends. My name is Greg and I'd be happy to help you out in any way I can. I welcome questions and dialogue so hopefully we can all learn something.

First off I assume you are referring to some from of a "clear bra" or clear plastic that is layed on top of the clear coat? What products have you tried on it so far? Are you sure the marks are on top of the plastic or are they possibly underneath it? Do you have any pictures? Once we have a bit more info I'll do my best to assist you. Thanks again for posting and I look forward to hearing back from you.

Greg @ DI
 
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Old Aug 18, 2011 | 11:22 AM
  #1836  
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My client does not know how the scratches happened. Just he slowly began noticing them. It is not garaged kept and doesn't have any discoloration. The scratches are not cracks as I inspected very closely.

I tried very hard for about 2 hours to do a number on the hood and for the most part all I was able to do was remove the oxidation.

Washed, dried, clayed, m105 yellow pad, m205 orange pad, chemical guys ez-creme glaze black pad, black light hybrid radiant finish hex pad, and finally a nice wax.

Maybe a professional or someone who has dealtwith CF hoods could help. Only thing I told him is he may have to have it resurfaced. I didn't try my wool pad I guess I could see if that helps any, but it doesn't seem anything will help this hood!

***upload on the file failed its a jpeg i dont know never had problems before ill try and mess with it late.... just lots of tiny scratches everywhere like a family of cats sleep on the hood and clawed at the hood, scratches are more prevalent in the middle top. So many scratches that in very localized spots in the sun and looking closely it appears to have a hazy/white color.
 
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Old Aug 18, 2011 | 12:05 PM
  #1837  
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Originally Posted by LakeShore_Slate
My client does not know how the scratches happened. Just he slowly began noticing them. It is not garaged kept and doesn't have any discoloration. The scratches are not cracks as I inspected very closely.

I tried very hard for about 2 hours to do a number on the hood and for the most part all I was able to do was remove the oxidation.

Washed, dried, clayed, m105 yellow pad, m205 orange pad, chemical guys ez-creme glaze black pad, black light hybrid radiant finish hex pad, and finally a nice wax.

Maybe a professional or someone who has dealtwith CF hoods could help. Only thing I told him is he may have to have it resurfaced. I didn't try my wool pad I guess I could see if that helps any, but it doesn't seem anything will help this hood!

***upload on the file failed its a jpeg i dont know never had problems before ill try and mess with it late.... just lots of tiny scratches everywhere like a family of cats sleep on the hood and clawed at the hood, scratches are more prevalent in the middle top. So many scratches that in very localized spots in the sun and looking closely it appears to have a hazy/white color.
It sounds like cats or some really low quality washing work was done based on the randomness of the marks. If you can get the pictures uploaded that would be great. Some carbon fiber clear coats can be challenging to work with as they will not react the same exact way the factory clear coat will.

Since your combination of a yellow pad and M105 didn't remove it that is surprising. It may need a rotary polishing or a light wet sanding to remove them. The M105 and a yellow pad has more than enough power to remove any oxidation, however it may leave a haze behind because it's so aggressive so maybe that is what you are seeing there. This needs to be buffed out with other lighter steps like the M105 and an orange pad, M205 and a white pad. I hope this info helps!

Greg @ DI
 
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Old Aug 19, 2011 | 10:52 AM
  #1838  
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Originally Posted by Detailed Image
Alex,

There is no fool proof way to accomplish this as there will always be some. My suggestion is after you are done waxing use a quick detailer like the Chemical Guys Speed Wipe (Anti-Static) Quick Detailer and a clean microfiber towel like the DI Microfiber Ultra Plush Two Sided Towel. This combo helps remove the static charge on the surface and it has anti-static properties. I don't claim this is a miracle product that will repel all dust afterward but it does help. Additionally it is just a great quick detailer for quick clean ups and to add just a bit of shine to the paint. If you have any other questions please let me know.

Greg @ DI
thanks for your advise greg
 
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Old Aug 20, 2011 | 03:44 PM
  #1839  
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Detailing noob. Need advice please

Hi there.


I need some advice since I'll be detailing my car for the first time.

I've listed some products below and was wondering if they are any good.

Please chime in with a better product and advice from the list I have provided

My car is a 2006 G35 sedan in Ivory white pearl and I think the paint isn't in very good shape. There are definitely swirls on the vehicle after looking at it in the sun. I got it detailed locally recently but am not satisfied with the job they've done. The car is usually parked outside (I don't have a garage) and has to brave the Winnipeg winter (so I need a hell of a sealant definitely) and only have a coin-op/wand wash at my disposal.
I have no tools yet for cleaning my car.
I have decided on a porter cable 7424 XP but need recommendations on the size of pads and which colors to go with. The marring on my car is medium and not too bad (the recent detailing fixed some of it but there is still some left for sure) .

So here is a list of items I have done a bit of research on. Please let me know how the list fares and whether I should change anything.

For washing:
1. Meg Deep crystal car wash (can get locally)
2. Two wash buckets with grit guard
3. Some washing mitts

Claying:
I can't seem to decide on a good kit for claying.
I've seen a mother's claying kit at my local parts source for $20. I think I'll get that.

Polishing and scratch removal:

Will need some paint correction i think but im not sure.
Megs 105
Menzerna PF
Menzerna Super Finish

I don't know what to apply these polishes with.
Will any applicator size pad would do?
This is the tricky part since I don't know how to polish and remove swirls from my car.


Sealant:
Klasses High gloss
OR
Poorboy's EX-P

Wax:
P21S kit
OR
P21S 100% carnuba wax

Wheels:
Sonax wheel cleaner

wheel brush

Engine bay:
P21s Total auto wash

so there it is this list.

I appreciate your feedback and any input you might have. Thanks again.

Take care.

-bigjee
 
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Old Aug 20, 2011 | 08:05 PM
  #1840  
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You have a lot of very good products. You shouldn't seem to have any issues with any of them!

As far as applying the polishes, the Megs M105 you can use on any variety of Lake Country Foam pads. For deeper scratches I use an orange pad and M105 and usually finish up with a white or black pad with the Menzerna Super Finish.
 
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Old Aug 20, 2011 | 10:10 PM
  #1841  
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You have better products than me. With my products, I achieve these results on my car.



Do it right, and you'll be shininnnnnnnnnnnnnn.


 
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Old Aug 21, 2011 | 02:07 PM
  #1842  
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For washing:
1. Meg Deep crystal car wash (can get locally) - Works okay in my opinion sometimes leaves a little bit of residue, The CG Maxi Suds, Poorboy's World Super Slick and Suds, Sonax Gloss Shampoo, etc. are a notch better in my opinion.
2. Two wash buckets with grit guard - Good call
3. Some washing mitts - Make sure they are clean and contaminant free, most swirls come from washing

Claying:
I can't seem to decide on a good kit for claying.
I've seen a mother's claying kit at my local parts source for $20. I think I'll get that. - Sounds reasonable, just make sure you look at the grams per $ when determining the value



Polishing and scratch removal:

Will need some paint correction i think but im not sure.
Megs 105 - orange pad
Menzerna PF - white pad
Menzerna Super Finish - blue pad with the Micro Finish (SF 4500)
I love this list but I'd replace the Super Finish with the Micro-Finish if you want a three step process. Smaller pads 4" will give you a bit more cutting power but any size will work well. I generally recommend the 5.5" pad as it's easy to use and works great. With the pads I recommended above and those polishes you'll easily be able to remove the swirls. Check out our detailing guide for more information about each step and ask me any remaining questions you might have.

Sealant:
Klasses High gloss
OR
Poorboy's EX-P

Both will work great, the Klasse HGSG can be challenging to remove, so apply it ultra thin, when applied correctly it can be removed without issue and the protection and gloss is top notch. I personally would recommend the Blackfire Wet Diamond with Polycharger instead and if money is tight pick up the Rejex Sealant.

Wax:
P21S kit
OR
P21S 100% carnuba wax
Both are great can't go wrong either way honestly.

Wheels:
Sonax wheel cleaner - Great call I love this product

wheel brush - DI Brushes Lambs Wool Premium Wheel Brush great for safely scrubbing the wheels clean

Engine bay:
P21s Total auto wash - My favorite choice
303 Aerospace Protectant - I use this after drying to protect the vinyl, rubber, plastic casings and trim. I also use it on the interior (dashboard, doors, arm rest, wood, etc.), exterior trim, rubber moldings, etc.

If you have any other questions please let me know!

Greg @ DI
 
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Old Aug 23, 2011 | 03:32 PM
  #1843  
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Online order

Hi Greg,

First off, I'd like to say thx for all the detailing knowledge and help you've brought to the forum. I've enjoyed reading through your posts. I just completed an order on your website for the DI 16oz Leather Care Package, and was just curious why the 10% discount doesn't apply to this item? It says the 10offG35 code was applied, but the price didn't change. I'm really looking forward to using the Leatherique products on my leather, as they were a bit neglected from the previous owner.

thx,
Corey
 
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Old Aug 24, 2011 | 02:52 PM
  #1844  
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Originally Posted by clyth83
Hi Greg,

First off, I'd like to say thx for all the detailing knowledge and help you've brought to the forum. I've enjoyed reading through your posts. I just completed an order on your website for the DI 16oz Leather Care Package, and was just curious why the 10% discount doesn't apply to this item? It says the 10offG35 code was applied, but the price didn't change. I'm really looking forward to using the Leatherique products on my leather, as they were a bit neglected from the previous owner.

thx,
Corey
Corey,

Glad to hear the information has been helpful and I'm confident you'll love the Leatherique products. Thank you for your order I greatly appreciate the support. Our coupon code discounts do not apply to DI Packages because these items are already discounted on our site. If you enter in a valid coupon code it will say it has been applied because it will apply the discount to any valid items in your cart or added to your cart afterward. We also put in red print "Discount codes do not apply to this item" to hopefully make customers aware no additional discounts can be used on the DI Packages. I apologize for any confusion and if you have any other questions or concerns please let me know.

Greg @ DI
 
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Old Sep 8, 2011 | 12:44 AM
  #1845  
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From: toronto GTA
hey guys, just bought an 04 ip g35 coupe with 55*** miles, very good shape but the paint is a little dull...i just ordered a bottle of collinite wax 845 and im about to order a porter cable 7424 xp package deal that comes with :Orange Medium-Heavy Cutting Pad
White Medium -Light Polishing Pad
Black Finishing Foam Pad
PRO-POLISH ACRYLIC + HIGH GLOSS FINAL STEP POLISH (one product here)
WET MIRROR FINISH ULTRA SLICK NON-STICK GLOSS MAGNIFIER.
so im thinking of going with a setup like this:
wash
dry
clay bar with quick detailer/water for lube
PC orange pad with PRO-POLISH ACRYLIC + HIGH GLOSS FINAL STEP POLISH
PC white pad with WET MIRROR FINISH ULTRA SLICK NON-STICK GLOSS MAGNIFIER.
PC black pad with 2 coats of collinite 845

if someone has any advice or suggestions towards my set up please speak now lol!
 
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